Chamber Named Rising Star Affiliate Chamber of the Year! | |
We're thrilled to share that, earlier this month, the Chamber received the 2023 Rising Star Affiliate Chamber Award from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) at the International Business & Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado. Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, accepted the award and shared remarks with conference attendees. Listen to Tammi’s acceptance remarks here. | |
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"This recognition from NGLCC is a tremendous honor and significant milestone. It acknowledges the tireless efforts of the Chamber within our region and Texas on behalf of our members and the LGBTQ+ community. Since our launch in 2016, our mission has been to ensure that the LGBTQ+ business community secures a rightful seat at the table and a powerful voice. But rest assured, our work is far from over; we're just embarking on an incredible path of growth and impact focused on LGBTQ+ economic inclusion." - Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder, President & CEO, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
“The Chamber has been ‘boots on the ground’ since 2016 working and supporting LGBTQ+ business owners, as well as our allies, and the entire community,” said Shenice Brown, Board Chair, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “Over the past eight years, the organization has made such an incredible impact for the LGBTQ+ community. I am excited about the important work and impact that the Chamber will make in the years ahead for our community.”
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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the NGLCC for acknowledging our Chamber with this prestigious award. The Chamber is a proud Affiliate Chamber of the NGLCC. Thank you to our Members, Corporate Partners and other key stakeholders for your support. We are celebrating this award with you!
Read the full press release here about the award.
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As an organization at the intersection of business and community, we are focused on supporting our members and the LGBTQ+ community. Earlier this month, our advocacy work came full circle with the announcement that the Chamber is now a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by the Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP), challenging the discriminatory drag ban law (Senate Bill 12). The bill was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott.
The law is a discriminatory measure targeting LGBTQ+ Texans that violates the civil rights and freedoms of every Texan to express themselves through performance.
Drag is not a crime. This law must be overturned to ensure that all Texans have the right to express themselves.
The Chamber has hosted two Know Your Rights sessions to educate members and the community about the impact of the law. If you missed the sessions, you can view the virtual session recording here.
Read the Chamber’s press release here and TCRP’s press release here.
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Earlier today, US District Court Judge David Hittner issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) keeping SB12, the drag bill, from becoming law on September 1. Earlier this week, Judge Hittner held a two-day hearing on the ACLU's request for a permanent injunction. The TRO is in place for two weeks or until Judge Hittner rules on the injunction. If the ruling does not occur within two weeks, Judge Hittner is expected to extend it.
What does this mean? For now, this means that the Attorney General is prohibited from enforcing the law against businesses as long as the TRO stays in effect.
The lawsuit filed by ACLU on behalf of an Austin-based performer and other plaintiffs differs from the lawsuit filed by Texas Civil Rights Project, along with the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce (this will be changed for each chamber) and others. There has not been a hearing set on the TCRP motion. We will keep you updated on the progress of both cases. You can also sign up for updates directly from the Texas Civil Rights Project here.
If you receive any threatening letters or hear of the law being enforced against you, please contact ashley@texascivilrightsproject.org
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NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference Recap | |
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Chamber Leadership had a wonderful time connecting with colleagues, Members and Corporate Partners at the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) International Business & Leadership Conference earlier this month.
The conference was held in Denver, Colorado and This globally recognized conference, which was held in Denver, Colorado, is the largest LGBTQ+ business event on the planet. The NGLCC Conference delivers innovative leadership programming as well as networking and engagement opportunities for more than 2,000 LGBTQ+ and Allied business leaders.
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Check out more photos here. | |
Thank you to Titanium Level Corporate Partner, United, for generously providing airfare for the Chamber Team to attend the conference. We appreciate you! | |
Join us for the Chamber's inaugural Mayoral Forum. This forum is a great opportunity to hear from candidates running to be the next Mayor of Houston. Learn more about how these candidates will focus on inclusive economic policies, support small businesses and support the LGBTQ+ community. | | |
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Len Cannon
KHOU 11 News Anchor
MEDIA PARTNER
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Tables are available for this event! This is a great event for small businesses, employee resource groups and others to hear from those candidates vying for YOUR vote. | |
Congratulations to the 2023 Grubhub Community Impact Fund Grantees! | |
15 Grantees! Program doubles the impact this year in the Houston region! | |
This week, we celebrated fifteen Grubhub Community Impact Fund Grantees, who received checks ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The event was held at Star Sailor, one of the Grubhub grantees, which is also an LGBTQ+ owned business. | |
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Long after the funds are used, the Chamber will be here to support these businesses to help them grow and thrive! We encourage you a point to patronize and support them!
Read the press release here and check out more event photos here.
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We are thrilled to share that Celinda Provost has joined the Chamber Team! She will oversee Marketing & Communications. Celinda brings a wealth of experience in marketing and communications working with businesses, professional trade organizations, nonprofits, governmental entities and elected officials.
Celinda is is excited to be part of the Chamber and is looking forward to connecting with members and the community. Be sure and say hello to her at upcoming events. Welcome Celinda!
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“I grew up in Houston and I’m deeply committed to ensuring that my hometown is a shining example of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that it be one of the best cities in the U.S. for ALL people to live and work. I’m very excited about the opportunity to help increase visibility of both the Chamber and its members and to amplify the voice of LGBTQ+ and Allied businesses in our region.” – Celinda Provost, Director of Marketing & Communications, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce | |
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About Celinda
Celinda is an innovative program management and communications professional with years of experience creating and managing successful mission-driven campaigns from the ground up. She has nearly 25 years of experience in political and communication consulting at the national, state, and local level, and she has worked for national media outlets, the Texas Legislature, the Texas Courts, and a broad array of political organizations and public interest groups. Learn more about Celinda here.
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The Business Advantage Program (BAP) is the Chamber's affinity program. The program is designed to bring together the vast buying power of the Chamber Membership with products and services that provide tangible monetary benefits (savings) to Chamber Members, to enhance the membership experience for existing Members and attract new Members.
The Business Advantage Program offers a special rate or type of service or product to Chamber Members. In return, the goal is that both the Affinity Partner and Chamber will see an increase in revenue. The Business Advantage Offer will generally be geared to create a steady stream of income over time for the Affinity Partner and the Chamber. The offer must include a benefit for the Chamber and can include a benefit for members.
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Harris County Offers Free Personalized Technical Assistance | |
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The goal of the program is to provide entrepreneurs and business owners with comprehensive assistance in all aspects of your business journey and help you overcome the challenges and uncertainties that come with building a successful business. Assistance through the program includes:
- Social Media and Marketing
- Legal Services
- Accounting and Finance
- Contracting & Bidding
- Technology/IT Assistance
- Business Strategy
- Logo Design & Branding
- Support for Grant Applications
- License and Permitting Guidance
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Member & Partner Highlights | |
Congratulations to Brian Hall, with Silver Level Corporate Partner, Shell USA! He was recognized at the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Mentor of the Year at the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference in Denver earlier this month. |
Huge congrats to Chamber Member, Hawthorne Capital, on being recognized on the Inc. 5000 list which recognizes America’s fastest growing private companies. As Doug Smith, Founder & CEO, shared “Breaking the top 5000 has been a goal of mine ever since becoming an entrepreneur twenty years ago. It feels good to finally achieve it and even better knowing that we did it together.” Way to go Doug & Team! |
Chamber Member, 1940 Air Terminal Museum, was recently featured in the Houston Chronicle. Maggie Brown, Executive Director, was interviewed. Read the article here. |
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Congratulations to Chamber Corporate Partner, Wells Fargo, for being recognized by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) as the Corporate Partner of the Year! The company was recognized at the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference in Denver earlier this month. | High five to Executive Level Chamber Member, Premier Wireless, on being named as one of the Houston Business Journal’s Fast 50! This recognition highlights the top 50 fastest-growing businesses in Houston. Way to go Lea & Team! |
We are giving a shout out to Roland Garcia, with Chamber Corporate Partner, Greenberg Traurig, LLP. He was recently recognized in The Best Lawyers in America. |
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Do you have some good news to share? From time to time, the Chamber highlights significant accomplishments, big milestones and other good news about our Members and Corporate Partners. Please submit news about your member business here. | |
bp is one of the world’s leading international oil and gas companies. bp operates or markets their products in more than 80 countries, providing customers with fuel for transportation, energy for heat and light, retail services and petrochemicals products for everyday items. Lean more at www.bp.com/. | Legacy Community Health is a full-service health care system comprised of over 50 locations in the Texas Gulf Coast region offering adult and senior primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, behavioral health, dental, HIV/AIDS care, vision, specialty care, and pharmacy services. For over 40 years, Legacy has been innovating the ways we provide comprehensive, quality health care services to underserved communities. As the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Texas and a United Way affiliated agency since 1990, Legacy ensures its services and programs are open to all, regardless of the ability to pay—without judgment or exception. Learn more at www.legacycommunityhealth.org/. | | |
President's Circle Featured Member | |
From time to time, the Chamber features our President’s Circle members who have made a significant investment in the Chamber. This month, we are highlighting Presidents Circle member, Soneja Creative. | |
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Soneja Creative is a queer and women owned business located in Downtown Houston. The creative company specializes in portrait, lifestyle, and event photography and well as videography services for private and corporate events. Chandrayee Soneja, owner, has a goal with every photo to tell a captivating story, that makes you relive that special moment again and again.
We were proud to collaborate with Soneja Creative on the Show Your Pride Campaign earlier this year. See photos from the campaign here.
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Co-Founder, President & CEO, Tammi Wallace, participated in a roundtable with U.S. Treasury Secretary Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo and other business leaders. | |
Congratulations to The Mahogany Project on their new space! The Chamber partnered with the nonprofit member to host a ribbon cutting in late July. | |
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Thank to the American Jewish Committee for the invitation to participate in The Community of Conscience gathering. The Community of Conscience is comprised by a group of diverse faith and ethnic community leaders in the Houston region. | |
Check out the Photos from Recent Chamber Events | | |
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July 27, 2023 - Aperol Summer Spritz Party at Miss Carousel | |
July 27, 2023 - Drag Bingo at Eureka Heights Brew Co. | |
August 4, 2023 - First Friday Meet & Eat at Momma's at Sengelmann | |
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August 10, 2023 - 3rd Thursday Breakfast - Community & ConnXions at Harold's | |
August 21, 2023 - Know Your Rights Session at KIKI | |
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August 24, 2023 - Power Hour & Happy Hour at alliantgroup | |
Register for Upcoming Events! | |
There’s plenty of upcoming opportunities to engage with the Chamber and make some great connections! | |
The Chamber events calendar is regularly updated so check back often and keep an eye out for event announcements. | | |
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Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community! The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce offers numerous sponsorship and marketing opportunities throughout the year. This Sponsorship Guide outlines the various opportunities to increase your brand visibility with Chamber members and the LGBTQ+ community.
Click here to learn more and become a sponsor. Use this form to inquire about 2023 Sponsorship Opportunities!
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Reminder! Update Your Chamber Directory Listing | |
We encourage members to review and update your membership information on the Chamber Directory.
If you haven't updated your membership information lately in the Chamber Directory, please log into the Info Hub and make any changes.
The public accesses the Chamber Directory looking for LGBTQ-supportive businesses so make sure your listing is up-to-date.
If you have any questions, please contact the Chamber Office at 832-510-3002 or
info@houstonlgbtchamber.com.
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LAMBDA NextGen
Supporting Young LGBTQ+ Professionals
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LAMBDA NextGen is Houston's first young professionals networking group, ages 21-35, focused on bringing LGBTQ+ professionals together to build a strong connection in an ever-changing community.
When LAMBDA NextGen officially became a program of the Chamber, it opened up even more opportunities to continue building on the important work of helping LGBTQ+ Young Professionals in the greater Houston region thrive and succeed.
Join us for our next happy hour networking event on Wednesday, September 6 at Pearl Bar!
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Thank you to the following members for their continued support of the Chamber! | |
State Farm agent Jeremy Henry is dedicated to helping people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. Since 2014, Jeremy has served customers in Montrose, The Heights, River Oaks, Central Houston, Katy, Sugar Land and Pearland. | |
We are thrilled to welcome our newest members to the Chamber! | |
Established in 1994, Texas Alcohol and Drug Testing Service (TADTS) is an industry leader in helping companies establish a Drug-Free Workplace. That experience includes federally mandated testing for the transportation, marine, aviation, pipeline and oil and gas industries, provided by our nation-wide network of certified collection sites. | |
The Chamber is growing! It’s a great time to be part of our growing and thriving Chamber community. Join today! | |
Stay up to date on the latest happenings - follow the Chamber on social media! | Also, check out the Facebook and LinkedIn Member Groups where member can post information about their organizations. Are you a new Chamber Member? Post up an intro video and let us know about you and your member organization! | | |
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Make sure your business is included in the online Chamber Directory where the community finds LGBTQ+ supportive businesses. Show your support and get more visibility for your business in the LGBTQ+ community!
Don’t own a business? Join and take advantage of great networking through the Professionals Membership!
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Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas | |
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Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce www.houstonlgbtchamber.com
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